A 55-year-old man was allegedly murdered by two youths who suspected him of providing information about cow slaughter incidents to police in Azamgarh district. The two accused, identified as Jakib and Itikar, were later arrested.

The incident occurred on Friday night when Data Ram, a chowkidar at Chak Lateef Imamgarh village, was returning home with his friend Achaya Lal Maurya along with two stray cows, which had been earlier recovered by the police in an open field in Ahraula police station area. When no one came to claim the two cows, which were suspected to be meant for slaughtering, the police handed over their custody to Data Ram and Achaya Lal.

While they were returning, the miscreants attacked Data Ram with a stone which hit him on his chest. Ram fell on the ground and the assailants fled from the spot. Achaya Lal immediately called the police, who took Ram to the hospital where he was declared ‘dead on arrival’.

Station Officer, Ahraula police station, Vijay Prakash Yadav said Ram used to provide information to the police about cow slaughters and incidents involving cruelty towards the animal.

On hearing the news, local staged protest outside the police station demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. The situation was brought under control after senior police officials reached and assured them of taking prompt action.

An FIR was filed by the son of the deceased, Veer Bahadur, against Jakib and Intikar at Ahraula police station. The two accused, residents of Qureshi locality in Azamgarh, were arrested on Saturday. They were produced before the local court which sent them in judicial custody.

When contacted, SSP, Azamgarh, Ajay Kumar Sahni said there is a possibility that Ram was murdered on suspicion of being a police informer, adding that a probe is still on.